Partnering is the name of the game in the telecom industry as solution providers, telecom companies, and master agents alike join forces. Here are six recent developments in the industry the channel should be aware of.

Recent M&A activity in the telecom space is proving that IT convergence is here to stay, solution provider executives say. And those that continue down the well-worn path of offering only their legacy services could be left behind.

CenturyLink boosted the number of connectivity options at its 58 data center locations and is now supporting 99 unique network providers across its global footprint. But a potential sale of the provider's data center assets still looms.

The networking giant is launching a new restructuring plan, which includes the termination of up to 5,500 employees, in order to focus on key priority areas such as security and the Internet of Things.

Doron Kempel says selling hyper-convergence can be challenging for solution providers, but success will come from taking business from competitors that are unprepared or hesitant to embrace the technology.